Happ's 10th-Inning Single Secures Cubs' Victory Over Pirates
In a thrilling finish, Ian Happ delivered a game-ending single in the 10th inning, propelling the Chicago Cubs to a 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.
With runners on second and third, courtesy of a double steal against pitcher David Bednar (1-5), Jon Berti struck out swinging, leaving the crowd of 40,162 at Wrigley Field on edge. Happ then stepped up, sending a sharp liner to right field that ignited cheers from the home fans.
The Cubs, leading the NL Central, secured three wins out of four in this tightly contested series against the last-place Pirates, with each game decided by just one run.
Dansby Swanson and Michael Busch contributed significantly, each recording two hits. Swanson and Seiya Suzuki both added runs batted in, showcasing the team's offensive depth.
On the mound, Chris Flexen (4-0) closed out the game with a flawless 10th inning, completing a four-hitter and maintaining control throughout the match.
For the Pirates, Spencer Horwitz stood out with two hits and an RBI, while Alexander Canario added a run-scoring groundout to his tally.
Both teams exchanged two runs in the first inning. Horwitz's single brought in Oneil Cruz for Pittsburgh's initial score, but Swanson quickly equalized with an RBI single in the bottom half.
Colin Rea delivered a solid performance for the Cubs, pitching six innings and allowing only four hits while striking out four batters and issuing one walk.
Pittsburgh's Mitch Keller pitched effectively as well, giving up three hits over six innings. Despite lowering his ERA to 4.08, he remains winless in his last 14 starts.
In a pivotal moment, Chicago second baseman Nico Hoerner made a spectacular diving catch of Isiah Kiner-Falefa's low liner to end the top of the 10th, preventing automatic runner Adam Frazier from scoring.
The Cubs improved their record to 12-6 in one-run games this season.
Looking ahead, the Pirates will send LHP Bailey Falter (5-3, 3.36 ERA) to face Tigers RHP Casey Mize (6-2, 2.95 ERA) in Detroit on Tuesday. Meanwhile, after a day off, Cubs RHP Ben Brown (3-5, 5.71 ERA) is set to take on Brewers RHP Chad Patrick (3-6, 3.25 ERA) at Wrigley Field on Tuesday.
